*istD sensor cleaning setup

Pentax *istD mounted on reversed tripod for sensor cleaning using a pec*pad wrapped on a spatula using ECLIPSE fluid

See full description on Copper hill website

*istD sensor cleaning short description

My first attempt at sensor cleaning failed more or less, due to the used spatula being to narrow at the end, and too wide further up. I simply could not reach the full sensor area without hitting all the edges of the mirror-box and lens mount :-)

After making it about 14mm straight, the second attempt resulted in ALL dust being removed with one double-swipe over the sensor.
Before cleaning there where at least 10 clearly visible dust-particles on very light images like the sky.

Checked using a shot of the clouded sky, 2 stops over exposed and out of focus, to a maximum quality JPG.
Then view this image at 100 maginification. To my surprise, there was no dust left at all, must be beginners luck :-)

Short description of the cleaning procedure:

• Get (and possibly modify) a rubber or soft-plastic spatula, 14mm wide
• Get the ECLIPSE cleaning fluid (purified ethanol)
• Get the special pec*pad clothes, non-abrasive and lint-free.
• Create a clean and dust-free working area
• Carefully wrap a new pec*pad on the spatula, secure it with scotch-tape
• Set up a tripod or copy-stand so the camera can be mounted with the mount facing up, slightly tilted to the front for easy access.
• Prepare the camera by selecting the 'sensor cleaning menu', but do NOT put the mirror up yet (requires just one "OK" after this to activate)
• Mount camera on the tripod/copy-stand (use a quick-release plate)
• Remove the lens or lens-cap
• Put 2 or 3 (not more!) drops of ECLIPSE fluid on the spatula pec*pad
• Press "OK" to activate actual cleaning modus, mirror-up and shutter open
• Perform a double-wipe, once left-to-right at the top-edge, then right-to-left at the bottom edge of the sensor area
• Turn the camera off to reset cleaning mode, shutte closes, mirror goes down
• Put a lens on the camera, and make a test shot to check for remaining dust